24 Seven March 2018

Lorie Gardner
THE
IMPORTANCE
OF PREPARING
FOR A
PHYSICIAN
VISIT
Attending a physician appointment can
be stressful and overwhelming. It is
essential to maximize your visit by being
prepared. As healthcare advocates and
board certified health and wellness
coaches, we work closely with our clients
to prepare an agenda and coach them
on how to effectively communicate
their needs during the time with their
physician.
It is important to be clear on what you
need to discuss with your doctor ahead
of time. It can help to write down your
symptoms and current health status, in
your own words, and practice what you
want to say in detail ahead of time. Be
very clear and truthful about your health
habits, even if they are uncomfortable
to talk about. It allows your physician
to have an accurate assessment of your
health and then make the best diagnosis
and plan of care.
We recently attended a physician visit,
with one of our favorite 90-somethingyear-olds,
for a second opinion. This
was the first visit with the physician who
needed to discuss several treatment
options, which would take some time.
When we provided him with a document
including a complete medical and
surgical history, list of medications,
images with the actual CD of the images
for this client, he was most appreciative.
Walk away from your next physician
visit feeling satisfied and empowered.
Your physician will thank you. Here is a
list of strategies for planning your next
physician appointment:
• Take a family member, friend or
healthcare advocate with you to take
notes.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, concerns
and questions. Discuss the most
important issue first, despite any anxiety
you may have.
• Bring your medications and a list of
those medications.
• Bring your medical and surgical history
as well as a list and contact information
of other physician’s caring for you.
• Bring any pertinent lab results, imaging
results along with the image CD.
• Answer the doctor’s questions with
pertinent details, not just with a yes or
no.
• Be prepared to discuss any lifestyle
habits that may be contributing to a
health issue.
There are some administrative items to
address in planning for the appointment:
• Avoid appointments on Monday and
Friday.
• If you need a same day appointment,
call between 10 am and 11 am when the
staff is aware of any cancellations.
• Schedule your visit in the early morning
or first time available after lunch.
• Ensure all paperwork is completed
ahead of time.
• For late afternoon appointments, call
an hour ahead to check if the doctor is
on schedule. If not, ask when to show
up.
• Schedule annual checkups for late
spring and summer. Stay away in
December.
We are all aware of the complexities of
the healthcare system and how scary it
can be to address a health condition. In
addition, it has been noted that most
patients forget 80 percent of what their
doctors tell them. Be proactive and
bring a friend or loved one who has
the capacity to speak up and assist you
during the appointment, if not, hire
a healthcare advocate. You need the
support for the journey.
Lorie Gardner RN, BSN, NBC-HWC , founded Healthlink Advocates, Inc., to assist clients with all aspects of their healthcare. As nurse advocates
they help clients navigate the very complex healthcare system. In addition, as board certified health and wellness coaches, they
partner with clients seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values.
www.healthlinkadvocates.com